Onguma Tented Camp is located in the private Onguma Wildlife Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park to the east. Part of a family of hotels on the 50,000 acre private reserve, it is among the smallest of the Onguma properties, with just seven rooms (see our writes up for Onguma Tree Top Camp and Onguma Plains Camp for a fuller overview of the Onguma properties).
Onguma Tented Camp is a simpler lodge than sister property Onguma Plains Camp. It conforms to an altogether more conventional safari camp format, with seven canvas safari tents centred on a collection of airy public areas constructed of brick and thatch, in contrast to the more flamboyant design of Plains Camp. In outlook and appearance, Tented Camp is much more the traditional safari camp, its earthy colours and stone, canvas and steel textures giving it a very rustic and natural feel.
Like any good safari camp, Onguma Tented Camp has the advantage of a fantastic location, bordering Fischer's Pan and overlooking a busy watering hole (floodlit at night to reveal nocturnal wildlife). Like all of the Onguma camps, it enjoys easy access to Etosha National Park, while at the same time enjoying the advantages that come with being in a private reserve—greater privacy, lower overall visitor numbers, and fewer restrictions on game activities. Onguma Wildlife Reserve, though small, is packed with game, including rarities such as black rhino. It's no substitute for Etosha, but it's a wonderful addition, particularly as it gives you the chance to take part in activities such as night drives, not possible within the boundaries of the National Park.
Accommodation
Small and exclusive, Onguma Tented Camp has just seven spacious safari tents, spaced apart so as to ensure guests' privacy. The rooms all conform to the same design. Raised on wooden decking, they overlook the waterhole in front of the camp from their shaded verandahs, though some offer a much better view than others.
Inside, the rooms feature a large bedroom area, accessed from the verandah via glass double doors. Twin beds take up the centre of rooms, positioned so as to allow for a view of the waterhole through the glass doors. The tents are also furnished with a wardrobe, full-size mirror, luggage rack, and coffee table with comfy chairs.
Limestone walls separate the bedroom and bathroom, which features double basins, flush toilet, and beautiful stone shower. Each tent also features an outdoor 'bush shower'.
Dining
Meals are served in a raised lapa area—open during the summer months to make the most of the wonderful views, and closed during the cooler winter months to keep in the heat. You dine at private tables, rather than the shared tables that are a common feature of other safari camps.
From our experience, the food is excellent at all of the Onguma camps. Breakfast is typically a light buffet, while lunch and dinner are multi-course meals accompanied by a good selection of wines.
Facilities
- Lounge and bar
- Dining area
- Swimming pool and sundeck
Activities
- Morning and afternoon game drives in Etosha NP
- Night game drives on Onguma Reserve
Child Policy
Onguma Tented Camp only accepts children over the age of twelve. Please note that the camp is unfenced.
